Junior Firmware Engineer – OpenWrt Platform

Fortinet • San Jose, CA

4d • $90,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

You will develop and optimize firmware based on OpenWrt for networking devices such as routers and gateways. This role focuses on core networking functionality including routing, firewalling, VPNs, mesh networking, and QoS.
As a junior engineer, you will work closely with senior firmware engineers in a spec-first, test-driven environment. Your early work will focus on understanding the codebase, improving existing features, fixing bugs, and building confidence through well-scoped ownership.
This role is well-suited for recent graduates or early-career engineers who want to build strong foundations in embedded Linux and networking firmware.

Requirements

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (0–2 years experience)
• Proficiency in C programming
• Familiarity with Linux or embedded Linux environments
• Understanding of basic networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP)
• Ability to debug issues methodically and learn from existing code
• Comfort using Git and collaborating in a team environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience with OpenWrt, Buildroot, or Yocto
• Basic knowledge of Wi-Fi standards or mesh networking
• Scripting experience (Python or shell)
• Exposure to open-source projects

Responsibilities

• Implement and improve OpenWrt firmware features under senior guidance
• Work on routing, firewall, VPN, mesh networking, and QoS functionality
• Write clear technical specifications before implementation
• Develop and maintain automated tests using test-driven development practices
• Profile and improve performance (CPU, memory) on embedded Linux systems
• Debug firmware issues using logs, command-line tools, and network analyzers
• Participate in code reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Learn and apply safe, responsible AI-assisted development practices

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life and disability insurance
• 401(k)
• 11 paid holidays
• vacation time
• sick time
• comprehensive leave program
• equity program
• Bonus eligibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees